Expert: Jamie Yocono - 4/28/2008

Question
We purchased a suite full of built in maple office furniture and need to clean some "scuffs" off.  Is there a product you can recommend that won't hurt the stain or varnish (it has a gloss on it - light blonde color).  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Suzanne,

I think you should try to use something very soft and non abrasive to try and remove those scuffs.

If you have a very fine piece of steel wool, a VERY smooth piece of wet-or-dri sandpaper (600 grit or finer) or even a dab of the sink cleaner - Soft Scrub. Put a drop of it on a damp cloth and try to gently scrub the scuff off. Don't get aggressive, or you could leave a mark. Make sure you use plenty of water or oil to lubricate whatever you use,  mineral oil works well with sandpaper or steel wool.

Another suggestion might be one of those 3M scrubbies that you can find in the hardware store, but make sure it's a fine grit. I suspect those scuffs are just a residue mark on the surface, so just a little abrasive will go a long way.

Last suggestion - Formby's makes a refinishing/reconditioning kit, here's a link:  http://www.formbys.com/products/refinisher.cfm

This would be a last resort product, but it will remove the scuffs and recondition the furniture all at the same time. But it may be more work than you need to do.... so I'd try a light scrub or sanding first.

Good luck, write back if these don't work, or if you need more help.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com